Dr. Janell Green Smith, 31, a South Carolina midwife known as the “Loc’d Midwife,” died on Jan. 2 from complications while delivering her first child. The American College of Nurse-Midwives called the death “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” saying it highlights persistent racial disparities in maternal care. Smith worked with Hive Impact Fund and other groups to support new parents; a GoFundMe has been launched to help her husband, Daiquan, and the newborn.
South Carolina Midwife Dr. Janell Green Smith, 31, Dies After Childbirth Complications — Advocates Call For Action
Janell Green Smith/InstagramDr. Janell Green Smith
Dr. Janell Green Smith, a 31-year-old South Carolina midwife known as the “Loc’d Midwife,” died on Jan. 2 after experiencing complications during the delivery of her first child. A respected clinician, scholar and Black maternal health advocate, Smith spent her career working to improve safety, equity and respectful care for birthing families.
What Happened
Smith, who practiced in South Carolina and partnered with organizations such as Hive Impact Fund to support new parents, died during childbirth on Friday, Jan. 2. Family members identified her husband, Daiquan, and the newborn as her immediate survivors. Details beyond the report that her death was due to complications during delivery have not been released publicly.
Response From The Maternal Health Community
“That a Black midwife and maternal health expert died after giving birth in the United States is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” wrote the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) in a Facebook statement. The organization called Smith’s death “a profound failure of the systems meant to protect birthing people” and pledged to intensify efforts to dismantle racial inequities in maternal health.
Colleagues and community partners described Smith as deeply committed to evidence-based, respectful care for Black families. Her advocacy and clinical work highlighted longstanding disparities in maternal outcomes that persist regardless of education, income, or professional expertise.
Janell Green Smith/InstagramDr. Janell Green Smith
Support For The Family
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Smith’s husband, Daiquan, and their newborn with funeral and memorial expenses, living costs, newborn essentials and ongoing support. The fundraiser asks for donations of any size to help provide financial stability and relief during this difficult time and requests ongoing prayers and messages of support for the family.
Why This Matters
Smith’s death has renewed calls from health organizations and advocates for urgent action to address systemic racism and failures in maternal care that place Black birthing people at greater risk. Advocates say the tragedy underscores the need for stronger accountability, equitable access to high-quality care, and investment in communities and Black maternal health professionals.
We extend condolences to Dr. Smith’s family, loved ones, and the midwifery community.
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